INQToday: Chinese ships fire water cannon, block PH resupply mission in West Philippine Sea

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:

Chinese ships fire water cannon, block PH resupply mission

A Chinese vessel again used the water cannon to drive away a Philippine boat in the West Philippine Sea, the National Task Force-West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) said Friday.

But the NTF-WPS also said that the Chinese Coast Guard’s (CCG) attempt to change the route of the military-commissioned resupply vessel failed.

China says it took ‘control measures’ against PH ships at WPS

China is demanding the Philippines to “stop infringing on its territorial sovereignty,” saying it took what it described as “control measures” against Philippine ships in the West Philippine Sea.

Timor-Leste takes Philippines’ side in West Philippine Sea row, says Marcos

Timor-Leste supports Philippines’ position in West Philippine Sea, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced on Friday.

He earlier met with Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta in Malacañang, where the two leaders discussed areas of cooperation.

Sara Duterte’s secret funds can be resuscitated in bicam – Pimentel

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III is not ruling out the possibility that the controversial P650 million confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Educations (DepEd) could be restored during the bicameral committee discussion.

On Thursday, Vice President Secretary Sara Duterte dropped the request for the P500 million confidential fund for OVP and another P150 million for DepEd, which she concurrently heads.

Senators inspect ‘prostitution den’ in Pasay Pogo hub

Are Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) now being used to allow enemy forces and spies into the country?

Amid growing security worries, Pogos came under Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros’ scrutiny again when she raised the question on Friday during the Senate committee on women’s probe into Smart Web Technology.

Police find vehicle possibly linked to case of missing beauty queen

The Philippine National Police says it found an abandoned car that matches the description of the vehicle where missing beauty queen Catherine Camilon’s body was allegedly seen being transferred.